Marian Kale

2025-2026 School Year

Welcome to Helena Middle School! My name is Marian Kale and I teach 6th, 7th, and 8th grade orchestra at HMS, as well as one period of 6th grade choir. I grew up in Billings and graduated from the University of Montana in Missoula, where I taught music before moving to Helena. Outside of teaching, I enjoy spending time with family, reading, and going to spin cycle classes.

To the left, under “links for parents and students,” you can find our syllabus, concert schedule, and links to daily instructional plans and weekly agendas. Feel free to contact me via email or phone at any time.

Choir Students: For more information, please visit Ms. Kecskés’ staff page here.

Documents

Orchestra Syllabus
Click here to view our 25-26 syllabus, including classroom rules, concert dress guidelines, and an additional copy of concert dates.
Orchestra Contract and Concert Schedule
Click here to view additional copy of orchestra contract
Grades 6-8 Music Scope and Sequence 2025-2026
6-8 Music Textbook Supplement
Click here to view the supplementary textbook resource that will be used in conjuction with Essential Elements curriculum.

Contact Marian Kale

mkale@helenaschools.org

Schedule

I teach at HMS on B Days only. Please find my class schedule below:

B Day

Period 1 (B) 6th Grade Orchestra

Period 2 (B) 6th Grade Choir

Period 3 (B) 7th Grade Orchestra

Period 4 (B) 7th Grade Orchestra

Period 5 (B) PREP

Period 6 (B) 8th Grade Orchestra

Period 7 (B) 7th Grade Advisor

2025-2026 Concert Schedule

Thursday, September 25 – 6th Grade “Great Beginnings” at 6:00 PM
- HMS Auditorium
Thursday, November 13 – 6th, 7th, 8th Grade at 6:00 PM
- HMS Auditorium
Thursday, March 5 – 8th/9th Grade Music Festival at 6:00 PM
- HMS Auditorium
TBA March/April – 8th Grade Day Trip to Missoula
Friday, April 24– 6th/7th Grade Solo/Ensemble Festival at 7:30 AM
- Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church
Thursday, May 28 – 6th, 7th, 8th Grade at 6:00 PM
- HMS Auditorium

You can find the dates and times for all HSD middle school concerts here.

Links for Parents and Students

Orchestra Syllabus 2025-2026

Orchestra Daily Agenda Slides

Orchestra Weekly Agenda

HMS Orchestra Calendar

HPS Fine Arts Calendar

Private Lessons and Additional Musical Opportunities

So, why should we have our students take private lessons if they are already in an orchestra?

Learning to play a musical instrument can be a more daunting task than a student (or parent) may expect. Fingers, bow, posture, note reading, and counting all come into play when this foreign object is put into a student’s hands! Private lessons are for anyone, not just music-career-bound musicians. A private instructor can increase a musician’s opportunity of musical success and fun! If you are interested in learning more about private string lessons, click here to access a list of private teachers in Helena.

Additionally, Montana is full of vibrant arts opportunities. If you would like to learn more about ways to get involved in music outside of school, I recommend getting involved with Ironhorse Music‘s after-school programs or viewing educational concerts through the Helena Symphony. Ironhorse Music also offers private string lessons at reduced costs!